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ASHEVILLE — Traffic delays as hundreds of people venture downtown to see Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, along with protesters in front of the U.S. Cellular Center and street closures, will make getting around tricky today.

The city will close three streets around the civic center at 12:30 p.m. Parking on Haywood Street was prohibited starting Wednesday night.

Protesters dressed as Sesame Street characters greeted the Romney campaign in Iowa on Tuesday. His event in Asheville, which will include former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, has the potential to attract even more protesters.

Sarah Palin’s visit here in 2008 drew a crowd of about 300 outside the civic center, and her supporters packed the arena, which seats 7,600.

A carnival-like scene developed outside with a four-piece band, zombies, dueling Barack Obama and John McCain supporters, vendors selling balloon animals and campaign buttons and even someone on a unicycle.

The city has no plans to designate a special place for protesters, though police will be on hand.

“We are aware that these types of political events attract protesters,” said Capt. Tim Splain, commander of the downtown district. “We will have personnel standing by to make sure protests are conducted in a safe manner.”

Republican protesters were asked to move to a “free speech zone” at UNC Asheville last week ahead of Vice President Joe Biden’s speech at the Justice Center.

One protester was arrested when he refused to move.

There will be no zombie march during the Romney event, said zombie organizer Jackie Bagwell. She said the march in 2008 was a coincidence and the zombies do not have a political affiliation.

“We have chosen not to take sides,” she said.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Romney is set to take the stage some time after 5:30 p.m.

His campaign has not said whether he will fly into Asheville or drive. Either way, interstates 26 and 240 will be shut down for some amount of time before and after the event.

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Traffic was backed up for hours near UNCA after the Biden speech.

Parking, street closures coming

Question: What time should I get to the civic center?

Answer: Go early. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. The line during the Palin speech in 2008 stretched around the building.

Q: When will I be able to get into the civic center?

A: Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Q: Do I need a ticket?

A: Yes. The event is free, but only ticket holders can get in. Tickets were distributed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Q: How many people does the civic center hold?

A: The arena portion can hold up to 7,600 depending on stage configuration. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium can hold 2,300. The auditorium was used for overflow during the Palin speech.

Q: Where should I park?

A: Special event pricing, $7, will be in effect beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, Rankin Street, and Wall Street parking decks. The only access to the Civic Center deck will be from Rankin Avenue.

Q: What streets are closed?

A: Parts of Haywood, Flint and Hiawassee streets around the civic center. Traffic to Vanderbilt Apartments will be directed through the civic center parking deck.

Q: How do I leave the city after the event?

A: Traffic leaving the Rankin Avenue deck will use College Street. Traffic leaving the Civic Center deck will use Rankin Avenue and will be able to turn left and right to gain access to Hiawassee Street and Walnut Street.

Q: Are bus routes different?

A: The N route will be detoured off Haywood Street.

Q: What can I bring with me?

A: Everyone will go through airportlike security and should bring as few personal items as possible. No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs will be allowed. Cameras are permitted.